New to Kiwi Biker and bikes in general

[frak]

Hi there!

Been reading through various threads on the forum and figured I should register.

I'm currently quite new to biking, but hope to improve! I've completed the BHS test, and passed my learner's theory test for motorcycles.

I'm currently without a bike at the moment, and unsure of what to look for (and what to avoid!). If anyone has a list of bikes to check out, or good motorcycle shops in CHCH to visit, that'd be great.

Also, are there any groups in Christchurch that are welcoming of people new to motorcycling?

[nzspokes]

Hi

Im new here to but have had heaps of great advice. Just got my learners today to. :woohoo:

Just ask what you want to know, lots of knowledgable people here.

[Gone Burger]

Welcome to KB mate - the world thats full of interesting creatures. But even more so, welcome to this exciting world of motorcycling. No doubt you will get some folk offering plenty of advice of a bike to start on (I have TERRIBLE advice - I started on a Keeway Supershadow so have no right to speak). But all the best with getting onto 2 wheels. Let the fun begin.

[thehovel]

Hi there!

Been reading through various threads on the forum and figured I should register.

I'm currently quite new to biking, but hope to improve! I've completed the BHS test, and passed my learner's theory test for motorcycles.

I'm currently without a bike at the moment, and unsure of what to look for (and what to avoid!). If anyone has a list of bikes to check out, or good motorcycle shops in CHCH to visit, that'd be great.

Also, are there any groups in Christchurch that are welcoming of people new to motorcycling?

As a learner/Newbie get a bike that has a "sit up" seat, you should be able to look down the road without lifting your head. This gives you less neck strain. Also you should be able to put both feet flat on the ground. I am a little weary of chinise bikes. A good all rounder is the yammaha Scorpio 225. It looks moden is reliable and you will be more likly to keep it after you get your full licence. Regards Richard

[frak]

As a learner/Newbie get a bike that has a "sit up" seat, you should be able to look down the road without lifting your head. This gives you less neck strain. Also you should be able to put both feet flat on the ground. I am a little weary of chinise bikes. A good all rounder is the yammaha Scorpio 225. It looks moden is reliable and you will be more likly to keep it after you get your full licence. Regards Richard

Thanks for the advice Richard! I'll find a dealer who has one and sit on it to see what it is like.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! :)

[dogsnbikes]

I'll find a dealer who has one and sit on it to see what it is like.

Its the best thing you can do is try a bike on for size.....and remembering its only a learner bike hence just something to develop your riding skill's

No question is a stupid question its just stupid not too ask questions!!!!!

We all started somewhere,so welcome and enjoy the journey:scooter:

[nzspokes]

Yes size is important. :shit: I cant get on a Hyosung, im not flexable enough. (even though I would love one) But others are fine. Some ive felt to streched out on. Just cruz the bike dealers to find what feels right.

Others here will tell you the right fit.

Its fun out there.

[cheshirecat]

welcome to the 'club'
You are going to have to get used to other bikes waving at you just when attempting a delicate manouver and stopping to ask if you need any help when you are just adjusting your layers.

[oneofsix]

welcome to the 'club'
You are going to have to get used to other bikes waving at you just when attempting a delicate manouver and stopping to ask if you need any help when you are just adjusting your layers.

Only if they ride hondas :shutup:

Welcome. Bike choice is personal. I enjoyed my old GN250 and kept riding it after getting the full, still have the piston with the inbedded valve :whistle: Back then it was either the GN or SR as road bike or some sort of dirt bike cross-over to take my height. Go experiment, see what feels right.

[Gone Burger]

Bike choice is personal.

Well said.

I will NEVER admit I loved my cheap and shitty Keeway Supershadow to bits to learn on. Nor own up to taking it solo through the forgotten highway and from Wellington to Auckland and back 3 times (running out of gas every time of the desert road - 9 litre tanks are farking AWESOME!). I'm far too proud to be seen on something like that, let alone enjoying it and grinning from ear to ear.

So yes, bike choice is personal as oneofsix said. You'll find what feels right, and has the kinda look that makes you grin.

[The Lone Rider]

Hi there!

Been reading through various threads on the forum and figured I should register.

I'm currently quite new to biking, but hope to improve! I've completed the BHS test, and passed my learner's theory test for motorcycles.

I'm currently without a bike at the moment, and unsure of what to look for (and what to avoid!). If anyone has a list of bikes to check out, or good motorcycle shops in CHCH to visit, that'd be great.

Also, are there any groups in Christchurch that are welcoming of people new to motorcycling?

How old are you, how tall, how heavy, and what sort of bike style you looking at?

[frak]

How old are you, how tall, how heavy, and what sort of bike style you looking at?

I'm 20, average height (think between 170-180cm), about 90kg, and I'm not too sure, definitely a road bike though.

[Maha]

250 Honda Hornet or a VTR could be a very good starting point.

VTR..in CH-CH http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-386902278.htm
Honda...http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-367237934.htm
Just dont get something that you will bored with too soon.

This may still be avaliable in Dunedin http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/139019-Honda-Hornet-250-1996

[The Lone Rider]

definitely a road bike though.

Obviously a road bike if you are getting a license.

cruiser, sports, adventure,dirt to break it into basic categories.

which sort

[frak]

Obviously a road bike if you are getting a license.

cruiser, sports, adventure,dirt to break it into basic categories.

which sort

Probably sports or cruiser I think. I'd be using it mostly for commuting.

[The Lone Rider]

Probably sports or cruiser I think. I'd be using it mostly for commuting.

Those two are profoundly different types of bikes, even in the smaller engine sizes.

It would help if you knew what your preference was, either by form or function, otherwise there is a long list of learner legal bikes of varying quality size looks and performance.

Short of sitting on both types (or in fact any available models at shops), you can google sports and cruiser types and look at the photos of people riding them. It will give you a small idea of the ergonomics.

[cave weta]

I'm 20, average height (think between 170-180cm), about 90kg, and I'm not too sure, definitely a road bike though.

No no no young Frak, come over to the dark side - you will tearn more about riding and more about yourself on a trailbike.
and you will be much safer in traffic. you can jump kerbs and ride through piles of cardboard boxes in dark alleys. Oh and leap wide cracks in the pavement with ease....

[frak]

Those two are profoundly different types of bikes, even in the smaller engine sizes.

It would help if you knew what your preference was, either by form or function, otherwise there is a long list of learner legal bikes of varying quality size looks and performance.

Short of sitting on both types (or in fact any available models at shops), you can google sports and cruiser types and look at the photos of people riding them. It will give you a small idea of the ergonomics.

I think something like the Yamaha Scorpio would be ideal, I like the idea of an upright sitting position.

I'm sorry if I come across as clueless, as I mentioned I'm quite new to all this :)

[Shadowjack]

Also, are there any groups in Christchurch that are welcoming of people new to motorcycling?
Welcome, frak,
Yes, there are groups in Chch, and they are welcoming.
Check out the Christchurch Wed Nite Meeting/Christchurch Wednesday Night Ride/Christchurch Winter Sunday Rides in the Meeting & Events section of the Forum. A person with more techno-clues than me would have posted some linky-dinks for you to simply click, but, oh well..

Hey how 'bout that:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/137105-Christchurch-Wednesday-night-meet-up
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/136506-Canterbury-Sunday-Winter-Ride

[The Lone Rider]

I think something like the Yamaha Scorpio would be ideal, I like the idea of an upright sitting position.

I'm sorry if I come across as clueless, as I mentioned I'm quite new to all this :)

Try google. I'm not sure people can help you much until you have a better idea of what you want.

Google.

A scorpio is not as upright as other bikes, and more upright than others.


Google.

Scorpio
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9mfNdhVVKGk/TKnOlR6dZdI/AAAAAAAAAc8/C79RtQanKik/s400/NEW+YAMAHA+SCORPIO+2010.jpg

Intruder
http://www.her-motorcycle.com/images/suzuki-vl250-intruder-black-beauty-21504602.jpg

NZ250
http://img.hc360.com/motor/info/images/200704/20070327_001937_070327mq01yg001.jpg


Google.


While not a 250 in this image, I ride more like this
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT2KupR8pyL9J7ZhKjQQqjFBEpbVruga WyMWiei0vV71BdkG4kH

I am taller than you, and that guy though.

Or on the complete opposite of stretched out there is like this (also not a 250)
http://www.esportbike.com/gallery/data/500/08_apr_shoot_busa_zx14_15.jpg

Take your pick of what stance interests you, go find a bike like it and sit on it. Then consider if it's you.

Or you can go to one of the meetings people on here have, or meetings various clubs have, and see a variety sitting in one place

[baptist]

+1 for the Scorpio, only just sold my one, loved it I really did, just could not afford to keep two bikes on the road :weep::weep:

[cheshirecat]

No no no young Frak, come over to the dark side - you will tearn more about riding and more about yourself on a trailbike.
and you will be much safer in traffic. you can jump kerbs and ride through piles of cardboard boxes in dark alleys. Oh and leap wide cracks in the pavement with ease....
and do
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU44AwANow8&feature=related

[Fatt Max]

Welcome to KB mate, enjoy the site and enjoy the ride

[joan of arc]

hey Frak

I am still on my restricted so getting my first bike wasn't all that long ago. Was sure that I wanted a cruiser, they looked so cool. But trying out one or two cruisers, sports bikes and naked uprights I knew straight away which one was for me. The Honda VTR (naked upright) just felt so right and even now with looking at getting my full within the next month or so will probably keep this at least for a while longer. It does what I need it to do most of the time. What the knowledgeable on this site can tell you is which ones to avoid because they are so under powered that ya can't get beyond 70 kph in a head wind which is an exercise in frustration and danger on the open road.

Try the different types out so that you get a feel for what riding position suits you and then check out the various models.

Good luck. The right one is there, she is waiting for you

[nzspokes]

Also when you get a bike, adjust it to you. Ive adjusted the angle of my clutch/brake levers to make them feel natural. Also I struggled to hill start, couldnt get my foot on the rear brake lever when leaning forward up a hill. So I adjusted it down a bit, reset rear brake and stop light switch. Mint, much easier. If you cant do this stuff if buying from a dealer get them to set it up.

[Garfield]

Hi there!

Been reading through various threads on the forum and figured I should register.

I'm currently quite new to biking, but hope to improve! I've completed the BHS test, and passed my learner's theory test for motorcycles.

I'm currently without a bike at the moment, and unsure of what to look for (and what to avoid!). If anyone has a list of bikes to check out, or good motorcycle shops in CHCH to visit, that'd be great.

Also, are there any groups in Christchurch that are welcoming of people new to motorcycling?

I am new to the motorcycling scene myself and after asking the great people on here their advice and going round the different dealers I found that the cruiser style suited me better hence I went and got me the GV250.
Take the advise of these fine people on here and try a number of bikes until you find teh style that suits you then the bike that suits you. Welcome and enjoy

[Old Steve]

I found that the cruiser style suited me better hence I went and got me the GV250.

Good choice Garfield! I've done over 18,000 km on my '05 GV250 in the last 14 to 15 months, she's taken me through my 6R and 6F, and I'll be keeping her for a while yet until I'm confident that I can handle a larger bike.

I find the GV 250 is a larger bike than a lot of other 250s, that makes it more visible, yet doesn't lack get up and go (I had GLORIA out to 130 km/hr a couple of weeks ago, though slightly downhill and a tail breeze helping, but she'll cruise at 120 km/hr all day if needed and I can find a road which avoids hills). Also the low centre of gravity and not too wide bars make for a great commuter bike. I've done Tauranga - Auckland - Tauranga in one day a couple of times, so she's comfortable too.

Have a look at the baffles at the back of the mufflers. By drilling out the 3 pop rivets in each baffle you can just lift out the baffle and that makes it sound fantastic.

[hellokitty]

No no no young Frak, come over to the dark side - you will tearn more about riding and more about yourself on a trailbike.
and you will be much safer in traffic. you can jump kerbs and ride through piles of cardboard boxes in dark alleys. Oh and leap wide cracks in the pavement with ease....

I was sitting in traffic the other day thinking if only I had bought the road legal dirt bike I had been wanting, the one that everyone thoguht was stupid, I could have ridden over the unused wasteland and jumped off the kerb and saved about 15 minutes of sitting in the traffic! :confused: It would have been awesome....

[Garfield]

Good choice Garfield! I've done over 18,000 km on my '05 GV250 in the last 14 to 15 months, she's taken me through my 6R and 6F, and I'll be keeping her for a while yet until I'm confident that I can handle a larger bike.

I find the GV 250 is a larger bike than a lot of other 250s, that makes it more visible, yet doesn't lack get up and go (I had GLORIA out to 130 km/hr a couple of weeks ago, though slightly downhill and a tail breeze helping, but she'll cruise at 120 km/hr all day if needed and I can find a road which avoids hills). Also the low centre of gravity and not too wide bars make for a great commuter bike. I've done Tauranga - Auckland - Tauranga in one day a couple of times, so she's comfortable too.

Have a look at the baffles at the back of the mufflers. By drilling out the 3 pop rivets in each baffle you can just lift out the baffle and that makes it sound fantastic.

Yea I know what you mean, nice an' comfy :yes: Might even have a lkook at the baffle thing....................annoy the crap out of the neighbours tee hee

[The Lone Rider]

Yea I know what you mean, nice an' comfy :yes: Might even have a lkook at the baffle thing....................annoy the crap out of the neighbours tee hee

If it is a plate, with a tube running inside it you are best to cut the tube off and rivet the plate back on (especially with a 250).

So if your exhaust looks like this and has a tube running inside it, undo the rivets, chop off the tube and put plate back on

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=59477&d=1177457261

<---- End of exhaust this way

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After you cut, it should look like this

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It depends on the baffle, as there are several different systems used by different companies and bike models.



Sealed units like those on a Dragstar, Rebel, or 250 Intruder need to be drilled in a certain pattern, as shown below

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=235154&d=1300914318

[Grasshopperus]

Hi Frak,

The bike you need is a Suzuki GSXR1000. They are definitely the best learners bikes around.

[Gibbo89]

my 2 cents:

Unless you plan to go through a couple of bikes on the way to getting your full then I wouldn't get a scorpio. They are gutless on the open road as they are only a single cylinder. Look at something with 2 or 4 cylinders. 4 cylinders generally means more money needing to spent on it come servicing.

Something like the vtr250 would be a pretty sweet option. Hyosungs look pretty good but make sure you buy as new as possible with the Hyo's.

I think you will find the scorpio a bit boring after a wee while... especially if you plan to have the bike for the whole learner/restricted period.

Good luck bro... make sure you research hard before you buy a bike and leave some cash spare for the gear. Don't buy cheap gear, buy decent stuff now so you don't need better stuff in a year or two.

p.s i think there is a yamaha scorpio at trevor pierce yamaha on ferry road at the moment if you want to sit on one

[Old Steve]

Just a hint, when you start getting other bikers waving to you just nod, keep your hands on your bars but lift your head up as a nod. That'll enable you to acknowledge other bikers, keep control of your bike, and keep your eyes on the road (it's easier to look down when you raise your head than to look up if you lower your head).